Charles W. Simons, III

Technical Sergeant Charles Simons died two days after being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic near a gate of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The base had received a bomb threat at the main gate and several traffic control points had been setup. After the bomb threat was cleared, officers were attempting to clear the checkpoints of the heavy traffic.

A motorist who was upset about the delays exited his lane of traffic and drove around the other stopped vehicles. Sergeant Simons was struck at an intersection by the vehicle, which was traveling at approximately 45 mph in an area with a posted limit of 25 mph. Sergeant Simons was taken to a local hospital where he remained unconscious until passing away two days after the incident.

Sergeant Simons was a member of the 99th Security Forces Squadron and had been in the Air Force for 19 years.

Bio

Age37

Tour19 years

BadgeNot available

Military Veteran

Incident Details

Most Recent Reflection

I was the desk sergeant that day when Wes was hit and I heard that call for help from an unidentified lady who used Wes Simon's radio to call out for help. I wish I could meet her because I wanted to thank her very much for her deed that day. She is a hero because that call let us know that one of many troops that were posted out that day was injured and I was able to dispatch the only two responding patrols I had available that day (Flight Chief MSgt Rankin and Police 3 SrA Boucher). It is an honor to see that sign at Nellis AFB naming the old Tyndall Gate after him. Every time I go through that gate I remember sad and busy day as a desk sergeant.